The authorities of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have promoted a total of 73 operatives of the Edo State Command to various new ranks as part of the agency’s efforts to reward diligence, commitment, and outstanding service.
Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, Commander of Narcotics and Commander of the Edo State Command, disclosed this during the decoration of the officers with their new ranks in Benin City.
Ofoyeju said the promoted officers comprise 52 males and 21 females.
He said three Deputy Commanders of Narcotics (DCN) were promoted to Commander of Narcotics (CN), five from Assistant Commander of Narcotics (ACN) to Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN), while five others were elevated from Chief Superintendent of Narcotics (CSN) to Assistant Commander of Narcotics (ACN).
Also promoted were six officers from Superintendent of Narcotics (SN) to Chief Superintendent of Narcotics (CSN), 10 from Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics (DSN) to Superintendent of Narcotics (SN), while 11 were elevated from Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics I (ASN I) to Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics (DSN).
Others include 16 officers promoted from Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics II (ASN II) to Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics I (ASN I).
In the junior cadre, two officers were promoted from Chief Narcotic Agent (CNA) to Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics II (ASN II), eight others moved from Narcotic Agent (NA) to Chief Narcotic Agent (CNA), while six were promoted from Senior Narcotic Agent (SNA) to Narcotic Agent (NA).
Thirteen others were promoted from Narcotic Assistant I (NASS I) to Narcotic Agent (NA), while two moved from Narcotic Assistant II (NASS II) to Narcotic Assistant I (NASS I).
The Edo State NDLEA Commander noted that the yearly promotion culture established by Mohammed Buba Marwa, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, has optimised the operational performance of the NDLEA.
He added that the promotions have boosted the morale of officers, who are now more motivated to take on the most daring drug cartels.
He commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, a retired Brigadier General, for his steadfast support and leadership behind the excellent operational performance of the officers.
“Today, we gather not just to change to new ranks, but to celebrate hard work, sacrifice, loyalty, and commitment to service.
“Promotion in the NDLEA is not automatic; rather, it is earned as a reward for diligence, integrity, and outstanding performance in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse,” he said.
While congratulating the officers for passing the stipulated examinations and interviews, he urged them to maintain zero tolerance for indiscipline and corruption as they confront drug traffickers.
Ofoyeju, who also expressed gratitude to the family members of the officers, acknowledged the sacrifices they have made in support of their loved ones in service.
“This celebration also belongs to you. We know the sleepless nights, the missed events, and the risks you bear with us.
“I encourage the newly promoted officers to wear your ranks with pride and remain committed to serving humanity vigorously in the ongoing war against drug abuse.
“This event serves not only as a recognition of individual achievements but also as a reaffirmation of the collective goal of the NDLEA to protect society by combating drug-related crimes,” he added.
Among those promoted was Owasonsanoye Ibiso Tubokomba, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, who was elevated from Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics II (ASN II) to Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics I (ASN I).
